July/August 2024 Issue of Becker's ASC Review
ON THE COVER
Are spine, orthopedic surgeons exiting hospitals for private practice?
Ten years ago, 70% of orthopedic surgeons were in private practice and 30% were employed; now, the inverse is true. That's a concern, but there is hope.
What ASCs want hospitals to know
ASCs and hospitals in many markets have a complicated relationship, with some hospitals opposing surgery centers despite looking to invest in their own centers.
What this CEO did to save an ASC slated for closure
Hilo Community Surgery Center in Hawaii was slated for closure — until Frederick Nitta, MD, took over as CEO.
5 ASC profitability killers
Although the ASC industry is largely fragmented, independence is becoming increasingly difficult as practice costs soar and healthcare consolidates.
CMS floats 2.8% physician pay cut
CMS has proposed a 2.8% conversion factor reduction to its physician fee schedule for 2025.
The debt philosophy for 2 large orthopedic groups
Orthopedic practices have options on how much debt to take on as they grow. What is the strategy for some of the largest orthopedic groups in the country?
What leaders are saying about colonoscopies
In wake of lowering recommended age for colonoscopies from 50 to 45, increased demand for colonoscopies and rising rates of colon cancer among people younger than 55, colonoscopies have become hot topic in healthcare — regardless of care setting.
Largest ASC chains by number of physicians
Tenet Healthcare's United Surgical Partners International is the largest ASC chain in the country both by centers and number of physicians.
US ASC market to reach $60B by 2030
The ASC market in the U.S. is projected to reach $60.8 billion by 2030, up from the most recent valuation of $40.4 billion from 2023.
The biggest issue for CFOs in 2024
From operating margins still causing challenges for many health systems to consistent worries about healthcare workforce shortages, the current economy has trumped cost reduction concerns for CFOs in 2024, according to a new Deloitte annual survey.
ASC MANAGEMENT
5 ASC profitability killers
Although the ASC industry is largely fragmented, independence is becoming increasingly difficult as practice costs soar and healthcare consolidates.
CMS floats 2.8% physician pay cut
CMS has proposed a 2.8% conversion factor reduction to its physician fee schedule for 2025.
Surgical specialty pay jumps 5.5% in 2024
Surgical specialties have seen a 5.5% increase in pay in the last year, according to the American Medical Group Association's 2024 Medical Group Compensation and Productivity Survey.
CMS floats 2.6% pay bump for ASCs
CMS on July 10 shared a proposed Medicare Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System and Ambulatory Surgical Center Payment System rule that would update payments by 2.6%.
THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
'No such thing as a free lunch': Spine surgeons on the promise, pitfalls of AI
Artificial intelligence in spine surgery is in its infancy, and physicians are discussing the exciting and nerve-wracking aspects of it.
What this CEO did to save an ASC slated for closure
Hilo Community Surgery Center in Hawaii was slated for closure — until Frederick Nitta, MD, took over as CEO.
What ASCs want hospitals to know
ASCs and hospitals in many markets have a complicated relationship, with some hospitals opposing surgery centers despite looking to invest in their own centers.
ORTHOPEDICS
The debt philosophy for 2 large orthopedic groups
Orthopedic practices have options on how much debt to take on as they grow. What is the strategy for some of the largest orthopedic groups in the country?
CMS proposes removing MRI lumbar spine for low back pain measure, outpatient pay bump
CMS' proposed 2025 ASC and hospital outpatient prospective payment system rule includes the removal of the MRI lumbar spine for low back pain.
How 1 spine surgeon launched his own practice after medical group closure
Early in 2024, spine surgeon William Bradley, MD, said he learned he lost his job over a Zoom call. In March Salt Lake City-based Intermountain Health's physician group, Saltzer Health, closed its doors.
Are spine, orthopedic surgeons exiting hospitals for private practice?
Ten years ago, 70% of orthopedic surgeons were in private practice and 30% were employed; now, the inverse is true. That's a concern, but there is hope.
GASTROENTROLOGY
What leaders are saying about colonoscopies
In wake of lowering recommended age for colonoscopies from 50 to 45, increased demand for colonoscopies and rising rates of colon cancer among people younger than 55, colonoscopies have become hot topic in healthcare — regardless of care setting.
The obstacles in GI migration from the HOPD to ASC
There are several obstacles slowing the migration of gastroenterology procedures from the hospital outpatient departments to ASCs.
The best decision this Hawaii gastroenterologist made this year
Becker's connected with Mel Ona, MD, chair and medical director of gastroenterology at Pali Momi Medical Center in Aiea, Hawaii, to find out what recent decision has paid off the most at his ASC.
The most impactful recent change at Intermountain gastroenterology
Becker's connected with Nathan Merriman, MD, medical director of gastroenterology and digestive health at Salt Lake City-based Intermountain Health, to find out what recent change at Intermountain has had the biggest effect on his practice.
TRANSACTIONS
Who's dominating the ASC market?
While independent ASCs have a steady hold on the market, with 68.1% of centers being freestanding, big chains continue to grow their market share as healthcare continues to consolidate.
Novant-CHS deal called off: What ASCs need to know
Winston-Salem, N.C.-based Novant Health called off its planned $320 million acquisition of two North Carolina hospitals from Community Health Systems.
Largest ASC chains by number of physicians
Tenet Healthcare's United Surgical Partners International is the largest ASC chain in the country both by centers and number of physicians.
Pennsylvania medical office building sold for $10.5M
Sila Realty Trust recently acquired a medical outpatient building in Reading, Pa., for $10.5 million.
Massachusetts medical office building sells for $24M
A medical office building in Wellesley, Mass., has sold for $24.3 million, according to a June 21 report from ConnectCRE.
HEALTHCARE NEWS
CEO tenures at the 10 largest health systems
Most CEOs of the largest health systems in the U.S. have taken the helm of their respective organizations within the last five years.
The biggest issue for CFOs in 2024
From operating margins still causing challenges for many health systems to consistent worries about healthcare workforce shortages, the current economy has trumped cost reduction concerns for CFOs in 2024, according to a new Deloitte annual survey.
HCA's Scott Davis on the keys to reducing employee turnover
Scott Davis recently left his role as CEO of HCA Houston Healthcare Northwest to helm HCA's Swedish Medical Center in Englewood, Colo.
These CEOs are leading by listening
While the commotion of a hospital and health system CEO role can make it difficult to keep one's finger on the pulse of an organization, many leaders are taking a step back to authentically connect with their employees, so they feel not only seen, but heard.